European Union for Progressive Judaism April 2017 Newsletter

© European Union for Progressive Judaism

From the Chairman CONNECTIONS 2017 It is finally spring and I hope you Join us in Jerusalem all had a good Pesach. Because of travel plans and the newsletter Register for May 17-20 Biennial deadline I am writing this column Open Event Registration Available during the last days of Passover. Register today - limited space is available It is never inappropriate for us to think about freedom and obviously Pesach is the festival where it comes to the fore as we gather to tell the story of our departure from Egypt and subsequent evolution into a free Miriam Kramer people. We in the 21st century sometimes overlook the uncomfortable fact that despite our own freedoms there are many, in Europe and beyond, who do not have that luxury. The continuing issue with refugees CONNECTIONS 2017 is an international conference and asylum seekers reminds us that we too were in hosted by the World Union for Progressive that position; this is within living memory and I write Judaism (WUPJ). CONNECTIONS offers as the daughter of refugees from Germany who opportunities to learn, explore and engage in the made it to the United Kingdom in the 1930s. diversity of our Progressive Jewish world. This year’s Our own history, stretching back to the tyranny of focus, Milestones & Innovation, honours 200 Pharaoh, compels us to take a sympathetic and years of Progressive Jewish history while exploring positive stance on the current situation around us. innovation in Jewish life and its impact on the future Many of our communities lead by example by of our Jewish peoplehood. opening their hearts and their doors to those who have arrived recently in Europe but there is still more to be done. Tikkun Olam is a sacred task which is about the environment, our fellow human beings and above all freedom. Another aspect of freedom is the right to practise one’s religion in the way one chooses. In some EUPJ countries our congregations are not recognised by More than 300 participants, from over 20 countries, the national government as legitimate expressions of have already signed up for this exciting four-day Judaism. This can lead to a financial disadvantage conference. If you haven't taken a look at our as well as other signs of disrespect. We have been confirmed sessions and presenters, please visit our engaged in legal battles on behalf of our constituents website and register today before registration closes! and in some cases have been successful. Where We will be unable to offer day passes for this has not yet happened we continue to fight. It is CONNECTIONS 2017 with the exception of the my fervent hope that the message of Pesach does opening gala for which separate registration is now not fade with the last mouthful of matzo. open! In the last edition of our newsletter David Pollak Register here for CONNECTIONS 2017 today. revealed the date and place of the next EUPJ conference; in the unlikely case that you missed this information please put Prague and April 26-29 in April 2017 Newsletter Contents your diaries. There are exciting developments and 1-3 EUPJ 9 Germany projects with which EUPJ is involved in that beautiful 4 Austria 10 Italy and historic city and our conference will highlight 5 Belgium 11 France them. 6 Spain 12 France, Sweden And whilst I’m on the subject of conferences I look 7 Spain, Hungary 13-15 UK forward to seeing many of you next month in 8 Switzerland, Poland, 16 WUPJ Jerusalem at Connections 2017. Miriam Kramer Denmark

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EUPJ EUPJ Honorary Officers European Union for Progressive and Staff 2016 Judaism (EUPJ) - 2017 Annual

Honorary Life Presidents European Assembly Meeting Leslie Bergman, UK Ruth Cohen, Israel Jeffery Rose, UK President Gordon Smith, UK Vice-Presidents Alex Dembitz, Switzerland Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, UK Rabbi Dr Walter Homolka, Germany Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, UK Chairman Miriam Kramer, UK Dear Members of the European Union for Progressive Judaism, Vice-Chairmen We hereby give you notice that the 2017 meeting of the Stéphane Beder, France EUPJ European Assembly will be held at Beit Shmuel, 6 Sonja Guentner, Germany Elihayu Shama Street, Jerusalem, Israel on Friday 19 May Michael Reik, UK 2017 at 11.45 am, being during the Friday lunchtime break at Honorary Secretary the WUPJ 2017 Connections Conference. We hope that a John Cohen, UK delegate from your community will be able to attend and vote Honorary Treasurer at the Assembly meeting. David Pollak, UK The formal Notice and Agenda for the Assembly Meeting Rabbinic Adviser is linked in this announcement, and can be found by Rabbi Ruven Bar-Ephraim, Switzerland clicking here, together with the following documents: EUPJ Rabbinic Assembly 1. the minutes of the last meeting of the European Assembly Rabbi Ruven Bar-Ephraim, Chairman in London in April 2016 (see Item 2 of the Agenda); click here European Beit Din to read. Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Chairman 2. the Appointment as Constituent Delegate Form and the Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick, UK, Convener Form of Proxy (see Note 1 of the Agenda); click here to read. Administrator 3. the proposed Deed of Amendment to the EUPJ Deborah Grabiner, UK Constitution, together with the Explanatory Memorandum and [email protected] Amended Section 7 of the Constitution (see Item 7 of the Newsletter Editor Agenda). click here to read. Arthur Buchman, Denmark Please note that a copy of the 2016 Annual Report of the [email protected] EUPJ will be available on the EUPJ website from May 2017 and that a copy of the Notice and accompanying attachments Assistant Newsletter Editor are available on the EUPJ website. Sarah Sussman, Ireland Please also note that delegates representing all EUPJ Members (both Constituent Members and Associate Synagogues everywhere Members) are entitled and welcome to attend the European Progressive congregations and Shabbat Assembly Meeting, but only delegates from Constituent services can be found nearly Members are entitled to vote on the proposed resolutions. everywhere during your travels. Click on a If you have any matter to raise for consideration at the blue link to find a synagogue near your European Assembly under Item 11 "Any other business", destination: Europe — Worldwide then it would be helpful if you could let me know as soon as possible what it is as this will enable the Officers of EUPJ better to respond to the matter at the meeting. Kind Regards, John Cohen Honorary Secretary – EUPJ EUPJ website update We have been working hard to build and launch a brand new CJL, Communauté Juive Libérale, Paris EUPJ site for the spring of 2017 after being hacked into in September. Now we are delighted to share with you our Please support Micro Site (www.eupj.org) pending the launch of the full (all Friends of bells and whistles) main site in a few months’ time. Progressive Judaism Corrections of fact and comments for the full site may be emailed to Deborah Grabiner at [email protected]. in Israel and Europe. We would love to receive exciting interesting photos relating They support us. to your community for use on the website. Please send these www.fpjie.org.uk to Deborah with a caption too.

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EUPJ European Rabbinical Assembly extremisms, defend minorities in Europe, and develop dialogue between faith and non-faith first Kallah organisations. Three MEPs, who have interest in the Created during the last EUPJ Conference in London same field and in promoting better relationships and in April 2016, the European Union for Progressive a better understanding of Israel came to talk to us. Judaism Rabbinical Assembly (abbreviated as [See below. - Editor] European Rabbinical Assembly or ERA) held its first In the morning, the ERA held its first AGM in the Kallah on March 26 & 27 at Beth Hillel in Brussels at European Parliament. Our aim is to make a the invitation of Rabbi Marc Neiger, and at the Progressive rabbinic voice heard throughout Europe European Parliament. Nearly 20 rabbis from all over and to promote the diversity of Jewish voices. We will Europe came to this gathering. Europe is also hold regular Kallot, and we want to introduce a understood in its large sense, from the Ural support system for European rabbis. As for today, Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Rabbis from the more than 60 rabbis have joined the ERA, and mem- Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, bership grows by the day. Switzerland, Germany and Russia gathered for two The board elected by the AGM is as follows: Rabbi days of study and meeting. Ruven Bar Ephraim, Chair, Rabbi Marc Neiger, Secretary, Rabbi Celia Surget, Treasurer, Rabbi Menno ten Brink, Hon Secretary, and Rabbi René Pfertzel. Rabbi Charley Baginsky will be leading a response taskforce for press releases on current events. Our next Kallah will be held during the 2018 EUPJ Conference in Prague (24-25 April). Rabbi René Pfertzel ERA rabbis visit European Parliament in Brussels Rabbis Marc Neiger and Ruven Bar-Ephraim

On Sunday the 26th, we were hosted by Beth Hillel Brussels, and we had study sessions on various topics: Rabbi Reuven Bar-Ephraim from Zürich led a session on eating animals, and how kosher it is. Rabbi Ira Goldberg from Brussels taught us a piece from Talmud (Berkahot 17a-b) on the quality of

ERA members at the European Parliament

On March 27, a delegation from the European Rabbinical Assembly (ERA) visited the European Parliament in Brussels. ERA represents about 180 European Progressive rabbis. The delegation held discussions with members of Parliament, Frédérique Rabbis Ira Goldberg and Deborah Kahn-Harris Riess, Cecilia Wikström and Lopez Aquilar, and Katharina von Schnurbein, the coordinator of the leaders. Robin Sclafani, Director of CEJI (Centre for European Commission on anti-Semitism. They European Jewish Information), introduced us to the assured the rabbis that the Commission had a high Jewish institutions present in Brussels on a European priority in combating anti-Semitism and countering level and discussed advocacy skills. Rabbi Deborah the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents. The Kahn-Harris, Principal of Leo Baeck College, ERA delegation, under the leadership of its President introduced us to a new way of looking at Eicha, the Rabbi Ruven Bar-Ephraim, was welcomed by the book of Lamentations, through art and music. hosts as an important dialogue partner. The host On the second day, we were invited by the representatives further commented that not all European Parliament to meet officials from the religious delegations visiting the EU in Brussels were European Commission and European MPs. non-discriminatory with respect to gender, race and Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s national origin but this was self-evident for ERA. The coordinator on combating anti-Semitism, introduced EU representative also expressed appreciation of the us to a programme called “Preventing & Combating active participation of Liberal/Progressive European anti-Semitism” run by the Commission. This is part rabbis in interreligious dialogue. of a larger European policy to combat all forms of

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Austria A new rabbi and a new era for Or Royal visit to Austria Chadasch Vienna

Or Chadasch member Gerda Frey with Prince Charles Rabbis Lior Bar-Ami and Walter Rothschild Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall spent the final day of a nine-day tour of Europe in Vienna meeting British and Austrian survivors of For 13 years, Rabbi Dr Walter Rothschild led the Nazi persecution at the city’s Jewish museum, the Jewish Liberal Community of Or Chadasch in Vienna Jewish News of London reported. as congregational rabbi. Once a month he came to Prince Charles, who spoke with Holocaust survivors Vienna for the weekend to hold services, Shiurim, in Austria, was indeed very charming. He listened, Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes and conversion asked questions and spoke about his grandmother’s classes. Now he has placed these tasks in younger role in saving Jewish lives during the Shoah. The hands. On Sunday March 26, Rabbi Lior Bar-Ami royal couple sat down with a group of elderly men was solemnly installed as the new congregational and women who shared their harrowing stories with rabbi. Rabbi Bar-Ami will spend two full weeks a them. During World War II, Princess Alice, the Duke month in Vienna - the rest of the time he is leading of Edinburgh’s mother and Charles’s grandmother, the liberal congregation in Toulouse. sheltered a number of Jewish people when Greece The installation ceremony was a strong symbol from was occupied. the only non-Orthodox Jewish community in Austria. Princess Alice, who is buried in Israel, was Among the 120 attendees, there were many commu- recognised by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial nity members and numerous prominent guests from in Jerusalem as a Righteous Among the Nations, Austria and abroad, including Rabbi Walter Homolka, and was posthumously awarded the British Rector of Abraham Geiger College where Lior Bar- Government’s Hero of the Holocaust medal. In Ami was ordained; Talya Lador-Fesher, Ambassador September 1943, the Cohen family, old acquaintances of the State of Israel; Ariel Muzicant, Honorary from the Greek town of Trikala, appealed to Princess President of the Vienna Jewish Community; Leslie Alice for refuge. She hid them in her palace until the Bergman, Honorary President of Or Chadasch; Nazis withdrew in October 1944. During that time, Miriam Kramer, EUPJ Chairman; representatives of the Nazis sent the vast majority of Greece’s Jewish several religious communities and Progressive community to concentration camps. European communities as well as Austrian politicians. Prince Charles told the group: “My father’s mother Leslie Bergman welcomed the attendees and spoke took in a Jewish family during the war and hid them about the role of the rabbi not only as a teacher but – she was amazing, my grandmother. She took also as a community leader. Ariel Muzicant reported them in during the Nazi occupation. She never told on his efforts to establish a unified Jewish community anybody, she didn’t tell her family for many years. in Vienna where ultra-Orthodox synagogues as well She’s buried in Jerusalem.” as Or Chadasch will have their place. Ambassador Princess Alice’s remains are interred at the Lador-Fesher related why she as a woman had picturesque Church of Saint Mary Magdalene above found her religious home at the egalitarian services the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. at Or Chadasch. Prince Charles said he visited the grave last Rabbi Bar-Ami completed his rabbinical studies and September while attending the funeral of former a master's degree in Jewish theology in Potsdam in Israeli president Shimon Peres. 2016. He is a member of the Central Conference of Holocaust survivor Gerda Frei, 80, who had escaped American Rabbis and the Conseil des Rabbins Vienna with her mother and father to Hungary in Libéraux, the umbrella organisation of French- 1938 and with them were hidden from the Nazis by a speaking rabbis in Europe. family in Budapest, had a chance to speak with The installation ceremony took place in the context Prince Charles at The Jewish Museum Vienna. of a Mincha worship service in which the Torah scroll “The prince was very well informed about the was symbolically passed to Rabbi Bar-Ami. The Holocaust, and it is very important that they came celebration was accompanied by a wonderful music here,” she said after the chat. programme and followed by a reception. John Clark Parts of this story came from JTA

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Belgium Pesach - reaching across time ideas for each group. They prepared and then Jews are commanded to performed to everyone present. Scoring was based celebrate Pesach each spring on creativity and enthusiasm with higher scores if to remember the Exodus every group member participated in the performance. when Moses led the Israelites “People really took the effort seriously and it was not out of Egypt over 3200 years easy to choose a winner,” said Martin. ago. The Exodus is one of Martin arrived in Brussels in January to take up a the defining moments of temporary post at BEUC, the European consumer Jewish history and identity. organisation. In Denmark he works for the Danish The key way to observe this Consumer Council. commandment is to tell the “I wanted to pursue my Jewish life in Brussels and I Pesach story at a Seder found the IJC online and asked Danish friends here where to go. The IJC is very close to the kind of sitting around a dinner table Steven Brummel with friends and family. community I have back in Copenhagen. It is open- The Jewish disposition toward deep historical and minded, flexible and has a diversity of membership philosophical thought is quite evident in this Seder which is amazing. I have been to services and really ritual. The Seder however encourages more than a enjoyed them. I have been especially impressed by retelling of the Exodus story. It seeks to have each the way children are involved and engaged in IJC Jew experience the events portrayed as if he or she activities.” had been alive then, as if each had also been a Martin’s family have remained in Denmark for the slave and then was freed. short time he is based here. “As the Purim story says, Although the Seder focuses on telling an old story, it the men of the house don’t always decide where the also encourages thinking outside of time and space. women go…” When one participates in a Seder, he or she is not Martin’s efforts added to what was clearly a great just celebrating with the persons at the table. One is Purim event. Cushions, carpets, a tented ceiling, joining Jews around the world celebrating this year costumes, a turbaned rabbi and the aromas of Persia and those who have celebrated the Seder through wafted from the kitchen to the sanctuary. The Persian the generations. Time ceases to exist and one Empire reached out to include a new province: connects to many, many others. Whatever one's Belgium! current circumstances or problems, the Seder is a place to immerse oneself in a much large and Yom HaShoah 2017 greater phenomenon. It underscores the great chain of being that is the Jewish People and Judaism. It gives hope even in desperate times as it marks an inter-generational solidarity. Pesach began this year on Monday night April 10th. The IJC held a Community Seder led by Rabbi Ira Goldberg that first night at our regular location. Whether or not you attended [any Seder], I wish to remind you that for a moment time will have stood still and we will all have been united in spirit. Steven Brummel, IJC President A Dane in Brussels European Purim Poem Song Contest 5777 New IJC member Martin Salamon added a great poetic twist to recent Oil painting of Dossin barracks in WW2 Purim celebrations with the ‘European Purim The ceremony took place on Monday April 24, 27 Poem Song Contest Nissan 5777 at 18:00 at the Memorial to the Jewish 5777’. He has been Martyrs of Belgium in Anderlecht. Remembered were th writing Purim quizzes Malines, Drancy, Auschwitz, the 74 anniversary of for his progressive the Warsaw Ghetto insurrection and the stop of the community Shir Hatzafon XX convoy. Yom HaShoah in Belgium included Radio in Copenhagen for some Judaica (90.2 FM) broadcasting from April 23 at years, and happily for us 12:15 until April 24 at 18:30 the reading of the names brought his experience to of Belgian Jews assassinated by the Nazis: 24,036 IJC’s festivities. deported from the Dossin barracks, 5,593 deportees “We placed people in Martin Salamon from Drancy and 245 resistance fighters. small groups and tasked The Beth Hillel Yom HaShoah Committee and each with writing a poem or song based on a story several volunteers assisted with organising the from the Purim story.” Martin provided themes and commemoration.

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Spain Video conferences in Spain Joint observance in Barcelona

EUPJ’s Spanish communities have been conducting On Sunday April 23, there was a ceremony very successful and popular shared video commemorating the victims of the Shoah in broadcasts. A series of four Wednesday evenings Barcelona. The event was organised by four Jewish with Professor Pablo Dreizik of the University of groups including the EUPJ’s Bet Shalom and ATID. Buenos concludes on May 10. His topic, ‘The meaning of Jewish spirituality through four biblical figures and their depiction in Western art’ includes Bet Shalom children’s Shabbat the Akedah of Isaac, Jacob wrestling with an angel, and Samson and Delilah on April 26. The final personage to be discussed is King Saul.

Om Friday April 21 at 6:00 pm Bet Shalom in Barcelona held a kinder Shabbat programme. This was a Kabbalat Shabbat for children with songs, stories, guitar, activities and surprises.

Dory Sontheimer

An additional video presentation of the Club de Lectura took place Thursday April 27. The actual event took place at Bet Shalom in Barcelona and was broadcast on the net from there. The author Dory Sontheimer spoke of her book Las Siete Cajas (The Seven Boxes). Bet Januká offers Hebrew course via video conference Matatayahu Langer is teaching Hebrew for beginners for Bet Januká, The Jewish Community of Andalucia. The first course has been very successful and concludes on May 10. A second course begins on August 16 and concludes on December 13. Each class meets via video conference on Wednesdays from 20-21:00. The cost is €45. To enroll please pay into the account of Communidad Judía Bet Januká de Andalucia, Banco Popular IBAN: ES14 0075 3039 1506 0083 6101. Gracias.

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Spain, Hungary Pesach at Kehila Bnei Israel in Galicia

Sim Shalom Budapest news

Seder night at Kehila Bnei Israel in Galicia

On the evening of April 10 we celebrated Pesach (Passover), the festival of freedom for the Jewish people at the Bnei Israel Community in Galicia. The Haggadah was read and the traditional melodies were sung. We remembered that freedom and the return to our promised land (Eretz Israel) after centuries of oppression has been relived by our Purim concert with Flora Polnauer and Davis Lamm parents and grandparents less than six decades ago. at Sim Shalom in Budapest Purim was very thoroughly celebrated in Sim Shalom Pesach at Bet Shalom Barcelona this year with a Multi-Culti party, referring to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's anti-immigrant and anti-EU policies for Hungary. There were lots of kids in costumes, and everyone won a prize of some sort. Some of the adults also dressed up, and I did my part as a Hawaiian beach bum. We did our usual reading of the Megillah in many languages; English, Hebrew, Hungarian, Armenian, Yiddish, French, and a virtuoso performance by Gyuri Markus, who did it in German, Russian and Yiddish, all mixed together. The highlight of the evening was a concert of Hebrew and Yiddish songs by Flora Polnauer, accompanied by guitarist David Lamm. They also played some Pesach 2017 at Bet Shalom in Barcelona Israeli folk dance music which got the crowd up and dancing. Some very good food and some schnaps Bet Shalom celebrated Pesach surrounded by rounded out a very joyful evening. families and friends from Barcelona and visitors from See our wonderful video here! other countries. We were about 100 people! The On the next weekend, we held the second of the joint Seder was beautifully led by our Rabbi Stephen services with Bet Orim Congregation as part of the Berkowitz and Maria with the support of two guitarist Budapest Project of West London Synagogue and who accompanied our traditional songs. As a EUPJ. This was the first time the services were held progressive Jewish community, we included in our on the premises of the Milestone Academy, a private, Haggadah and on our Seder plate several elite secondary school with a number of Jewish references to the current crisis of immigrants and students. Unfortunately, Rabbi Ariel Pollak was ill war refugees in the world, to the struggle of sexual and could not come from Berlin. So the service was minorities for equality and to the fight of the Women led by Cantor Polnauer with good attendance from of the Wall to pray in peace in Jerusalem. both congregations as well as a number of people Bet Shalom also held a study session on Shir belonging to neither congregation. A good start. HaShirim (Song of Songs) with Rabbi Berkowitz as it We are very actively looking for premises of our own is the tradition during Pesach, marking the beginning again which we can afford. A large flat has been of the grain harvest and commemorating the Exodus located belonging to the local city government which from Egypt. As our dear friend Jaime Vándor (z’’l) would be quite satisfactory, though it would need a said: "Pesaj, noche alegre, agradecido recuerdo del big renovation. Our Board is negotiating with the city éxodo...” (Pesach, cheerful night, grateful memory of about getting the space for a nominal rent, which the Exodus). we're told is a good possibility. If we get it, we plan to We all had a wonderful and memorable evening. have a fundraising drive to pay for the renovations. Jess Weil

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Switzerland, Poland, Denmark Upcoming events at GIL Pesach at Migwan in Basel May 3: Course with Brigitte Sion As in former years May 3, 10, 17, Michelle Giger invited and 24 + June 7 guests to a Pesach at 18:00 Seder in Nuglar. We Restitution of all improvised and works of art had a pot luck meal. confiscated by Everyone brought the Nazis: A their Haggadot and conclusion something vegetarian

May 5: Yom Ha'Atzmaut dinner to share for the 18:30: The Friday Pesach meal. evening Service will be followed by a Canadian A packed Danish house for Pesach Shabbat dinner. Bring a savoury dish, a sweet oah dish, and a drink. There will be dancing and singing with the participation of children and adults. May 29: A talk about Carl Lutz 18:45: Buffet, 15 CHF to participate 19:45: Talk - Carl Lutz, the man who saved 62,000 Herz Hungarian Jews from Eichmann's claws in 1944. Roberta Harris leading Shir Hatzafon’s 2017 Seder (free event). Register at for any or all events at [email protected]. Shir Hatzafon, The Progressive Jewish Community in Denmark, hosted 80 participants for this year’s Passover Seder, our largest crowd in history. We Events at Beit Warszawa had some new families with children and DIS We wish to thank all the participants of our Passover students from Copenhagen University with their celebrations for joining us at Beit Warszawa parents, plus of course many members of our Synagogue, and we thank Maciej Kirschenbaum for community and their family members. The loud and leading our prayers. lively journey out of slavery to freedom was valiantly On the weekend of April 28-29 our services at Beit led by Roberta Harris, a student rabbi from Leo Warszawa will be led by Rabbi Walter Rothschild Baeck College in London, who also led our April from Berlin. Since his early student days he has Shabbat service and presented a fascinating slide been active in Jewish organisations and he is one of show about the history of Jerusalem for our Sunday the few rabbis in morning Adult Study. Germany who was The delicious Seder meal was made in and born and raised schlepped from the kitchens of Lars Jozefowicz and in a Progressive Jesper Joel Andersen, who very capably directed the Jewish household. practical aspects of the Seder. They served us gefilte In 1984 he was fish, matzo ball soup and two kinds of brisket, not to ordained from Leo mention salmon for the non-carnivores – all home- Baeck College and made. Normally we have much food left over and since 1998 has after the Seder we deliver it to Mændenes Hjem, the worked in Germany, men’s homeless shelter on Istegade. But that night Austria and other we consumed, and with great pleasure, almost every European countries. bit of food served. Rabbi Rothschild Shir Hatzafon lived up to its name with some spirited has written and singing, helped along by lively direction from Mimi published many Kviat. Many thanks go to all those who volunteered books. He is also Rabbi Dr Walter Rothschild to serve on the Pesach All Stars team and made the a poet and song- evening flow so pleasantly for everyone. Next year, writer whose many everyone should remember to book a place early, as songs are both we expect the room will sell out again. serious and satirical. Arthur Buchman

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Germany Passover message Abraham Geiger Award 2017 goes On Passover eve, to Amos Oz the Haggadah “We have much to recounts the story talk about with the of the Exodus and new generations of says, “Whoever is Germans.” Amos Oz. in need, let him Israel’s foremost writer come and conduct and intellectual Amos the Seder of Oz is the recipient of Passover. This year the Abraham Geiger we are here: next Award 2017. The year in the land of ceremony will be Israel. This year held on May 25 in we are slaves; Berlin. This award next year we will recognises people be free people.” Amos Oz Rabbi Walter Homolka who have made Ever since the outstanding contributions with regard to pluralism Middle Ages, the Seder evening ends with the and who have shown great commitment towards phrase “Next year in Jerusalem.” This wish is an openness, courage, tolerance, and freedom of expression of a yearning that has been preserved for thought. The laudatory speech will be delivered by more than two thousand years. And the yearning Dr Klaus Lederer, Senator for Culture and Europe of also has an eschatological element: according to the State of Berlin. Isaiah 22, at the “end of the earth” all people will go to Jerusalem to greet the Kingdom of Peace. The Hebrew name for Egypt is Mizrayim, which can March in Hamelin also mean “boundaries,” “limits” or “restriction,” while Remembering and honouring Jewish women and in Yerushalayim means “City of Peace.” The path to keeping with International Women’s Day, we Jerusalem thus leads from the concrete to the celebrated with a gala concert from and for our abstract; from the profane to the holy. members. In keeping with our tradition, the men Rabbi Prof Dr Walter Homolka presented the women with a colourful spring blossom in honour of the day.

Interfaith Weekend Seminar at Chavurah Gescher, Freiburg Chavurah Gescher hosted this year’s annual seminar entitled ‘Mein Gott, dein Gott, kein Gott?’, ’My God, Your God, No God?’ from March 31 to April 2, attracting participants from England, France and Purim 2017 at JGH Hamelin

Switzerland as well as Germany. Gescher’s Rabbi Erev Purim followed a few days later, and once Diane Tiferet Lakein led the Shabbat services and again our synagogue was filled with happy chatter workshops on interfaith dialogue and ways to and a festive air. Fanciful costumes, glittering masks establish it. and the sound of noise makers created a joyful In a panel discussion, representatives of the cacophony. Rabbi Ulrike Seifert read from the Abrahamic religions and an atheist position hotly Megillah Esther. Our Rabbi emerita, Irit Shillor, had debated whether religion is the root of all evil or the donated the scroll several years ago. In addition to answer to all our problems. Without glossing over the Hebrew reading, members read aloud in any of the challenges we face today, consensus was German and Russian, allowing everyone to hear reached on key points, such as liberal values, the and understand. The theatrical talents of our importance not only of open interfaith but also children ’s group and rabbi were showcased in a interdenominational dialogue, and education. Purimspiel, Esther. Gescher presented their interfaith and intercultural The inter-religious women’s group met for the first BMF project for young people. time in 2017 and there are to be three more In addition to lively discussion, there was a drama meetings this year. Each will take place in a house improvisation workshop and a talk on an interfaith of worship and each will offer a reading and pilgrimage in Israel. The stimulating and enjoyable discussion from that religion’s writings. Rachel Dohme weekend drew to a close with a beautiful Read the full newsletter here. performance of Sephardic music.

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Italy From the Sacred Beth Shalom Milano news to the Profane at Lev Chadash Milan On Wednesday April 5 at 18:00, Lev Chadash presented Dal Sacro al Profano, A Collection of Jewish Lyrics by Filippo Zizzo and Stefania Rescalli. The evening was hosted by psychologist Dr Rossana Ottolenghi and included songs from the book performed by soprano Lucia Libassi from the F Gaffurio Choir of the Milan Conservatory. The cultural evening was a big success.

Beth Shalom Milan Seder 2017 Beth Shalom’s International Seder was led by Rabbi Donald Goor and Cantor Evan Kent. After many years, Beth Shalom decided to hold its Seder the first night, rather than the second. We were more than 70. In addition to our members we had guests from the USA, England, Israel and Turkey. We even had two Dr Rossana Ottolenghi infants in attendance. Rabbi Goor and Cantor Kent came from Israel to lead this unforgettable Seder. Next month we have a triple Bar Mitzvah of three Taglit-Birthright programme in Italy brothers and we will send photos. On April 22 we celebrated a double simcha. Rabbi David Whiman returned from America to lead our first Shabbat service after Pesach, and we also celebrated an Aufruf for Ashley Racine and Matteo Fideli who will be married by Rabbi Whiman in June. Following services, Ashley and Matteo offered a light Kiddush. Many joined us on Saturday morning at 10:30am at Hotel de la Ville in via Hoepli to welcome Rabbi Whiman back to Milan and bless the soon-to- be-married couple. I am pleased to inform you that applications for this summer's Taglit-Birthright programme are now open. This is the sixth year that we are involved in Lev Chadash Seder led by Rabbi this scheme which is open to any participant Walter Rothschild between the ages of 18 and 26 with either a Jewish father or mother and who has never visited Israel. Our inclusion and leadership in Taglit was a major breakthrough for de facto recognition by the Italian Jewish community that the Progressive Movement in Italy is a part of the larger Italian Jewish world. The trip this year will run from July 23-August 1. I urge you all to do as much as possible to inform your members of this opportunity and register quickly. It is an extremely worthwhile and wonderful programme which deserves our full support. Applications should go directly to the Taglit website: www.taglit-birthright.com. If you have questions, please write to me at [email protected] or to [email protected] David Ross Beth Shalom Milano

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France Yom HaShoah 2017 in Lyon To commemorate is neither to forget, nor to give oneself a good conscience. On April 24 from 9:00 to 18:00 the CPJL - Circle of Liberal Jewish Thought of Lyon and Keren Or - the progressive synagogue in Lyon celebrated the Events at Copernic, Paris International Day of Commemoration of the Shoah : in partnership with Licra Rhône-Alpes at the Place April 19 Israeli Dance (Rikoudei Am) des Terreaux. Licra stands for Ligue Internationale Elliot Cohen led a course in Israeli dance. Contre le Racism, International League Against Racism. We had appealed for assistance for the commemorative uninterrupted reading of the names of the deported Jews of France and began with Convoy No 62, which left Drancy November 20, 1943.

April 20: Piano Concert Adam Laloum (left) and David Kadouch gave a unique concert at the Copernic synagogue. These young pianists performed works by Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert, and Igor Stravinsky.

Drawing of the arrival of children at Drancy

This day, marked by meditation, by remembrance, but even more by the solidarity with the victims of the Shoah, began with the lightning of candles symbolising the six million Jewish victims and the 22 concentration and extermination camps. The May 21 at 18: Kol Nidre Concert Ceremony of Remembrance in the presence of In 2009, the first Kol Nidre concert was given at representatives of the Republic took place at 15:00. Copernic with immense success. The inspiring power Throughout the day, it was possible to see the of the melody of the Kol Nidre now leads to a exhibition "Anti-Semitism from the Middle Ages until different type of concert, including two world Today", which was guided by a team of Licra premieres (Kol Nidre by Alexandre Tansman and Kol volunteers. This exhibition showed how the politics Nidre by Benoît Menut) and two European ones (Kol of genocide repeats itself (Armenia, Rwanda, Nidre Variations by Ben Zebelman and Kal Nidrei by Bosnia, the Yazidi). Attendees could speak with Eyal Bitton). Also to be performed will be Kol Nidre President of Keren Or Pamela Venin, President of compositions by Jean-François Zygel, Sid Licra Rhône-Alpes Alain Blum, and/or Jean-Paul Robinovitch, Louis Aubert and Alberto Hemsi, Itaï Rosner, a former hidden child from Lyon who for the Daniel, Louis Lewandowski and a jazz improvisation past 15 years has served as a witness in regional by Denis Cuniot. schools. Sarah Toledano-Klein Performed by Travel to Catalonia with CPJL musicians of the Wednesday May 24 to Saturday May 27 Copernic Choral CPJL, Keren Or’s cultural branch offers: Ensemble under Girona and its Jewish Museum, Besalu and its the direction of mikvah, Jewish Barcelona, a Shabbat service and Itaï Daniel. meal with the progressive community of Barcelona Price: €30 Transportation is via car-pooling. Reduced Price: The price (including three nights in a double room, €25 (members of ULIF, MJLF, CJL, Adath Shalom, transport, visits) about €400 Kehilat Gesher, IEMJ, students, Aleph card holders, For accommodation just in Barcelona + transport under 15) and tours. about €180. Register with Paule Fort: Reservations: 01 47 04 37 27 or online. tel. 06 64 03 97 33; email - [email protected].

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France, Sweden Yom HaShoah in Paris

MJLF covers Paris east & west

Facebook photo from Rabbi Tom Cohen Book binding at Kehilat Gesher Book Binding Workshop The sanctuary at MJLF Surmelin with Monique Hebant, a book binding expert, In the eastern part of Paris, a second community and Rabbi Tom Cohen. house bears the values of the MJLF. Called Monique will donate the Surmelin after its street address, it was established book binding materials to serve individuals and families who lived too far and will explain her from MJLF Beaugrenelle, our long-standing home art by introducing us near the Eiffel Tower. to different restoration Led by Rabbi Dr Floriane Chinsky, at Surmelin techniques plus bind- young and old alike find themselves at home in this ing, stitching and more. This is a wonderful place of prayer, study, transmission and sharing. opportunity for us to learn while binding a new The MJLF organises participative sabbath and Tanach for our youth and an annual edition of holiday services, text studies, a dynamic Talmud- "La Passerelle". Torah, monthly Shabbat meals, boasts a Surmelin Wednesday May 3 at 14:30 at Kehilat Gesher Orchestra and a choir and offers many convivial Info & registration: [email protected] cultural experiences.

2017 Paideia Three trips for Liberal Jewish Youths Project Don’t be late, make your choice … and especially register! Incubator Under the aegis of the AJL (Assemblée du Judaïsme Libéral) three trips are being organised this year. These trips are open to all children of AJL’s commu- nities in France, Belgium, and The Project Incubator is a method-oriented 10-day Switzerland. AJL will be summer programme focusing on acquiring the delighted to to enable them to necessary tools and support structures for getting discover France and Israel. projects off the ground. It provides some eight hours July 4 – 27: CJL’s super of scheduled activities each day, cultural and social “MahaNetzer” for 6 – 17 year programming at night and four hours of individual olds, wonderfully organised by tutoring time for each participant during the 10 days. Etienne Kerber. Contact her The first programme of its kind, it is still by far the for further information at: leading scheme for supporting social innovation in +33 6 48 20 80 89. Jewish Europe. Since its inception in 2006, over 220 July 11 – 25: The super trip individuals have participated, bringing over 180 to Israel for 14 – 17 year olds, projects for Jewish life and culture in Europe. Project organised by the MJLF (Oren Incubator gives participants the keys, the inspiration Giorno). Click here. and the networks needed to convert their ideas into August 1 – 11: The FREE TAGLIT trip for 18 – 26 action. These projects have reached hundreds of year olds, jointly organised by the MJLF (Oren thousands of individuals across Europe, and their Giorno) and CJL (Etienne Kerber). Click here. managers are active in over 30 different countries. Apply here.

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United Kingdom First Interfaith Seder in Durham Reform Judaism Musical Conference We are delighted to open bookings for Shirei Chagigah, our music conference on July 6-9.

Interfaith Seder in Durham

On Tuesday April 11 in the Waddington Street United Reformed Church social hall, Dr Bill Fleming officiated before a packed “mixed multitude” of 56 people to celebrate an Interfaith Jewish Passover for the first time in Durham. “We tell the story for each generation of the Exodus from Egypt and bring it right up to date each time. We tell the story especially for the children, and try to make it a fun night with lots of group singing for all.” Leo Baeck College Librarian Representatives from the Liberal Jewish A wonderful opportunity has arisen for the post of communities of Durham and York, as well as several Librarian at Leo Baeck College to start in September local churches, joined together to participate in an 2017. This position is a unique chance for the right interfaith service and meal this year. person to participate in the exciting developments An Elder of the Waddington Street United Reformed planned for our exceptional library. Church, Mr Sandy Ogilvie, commented: “the prayers Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 dependent on for freedom and peace for all peoples were absolutely experience and qualifications for this 0.8 to full time in accord with our own beliefs and prayers.” post with possible teaching opportunities. A job Another member of the Waddington Street URC share would also be considered for suitably qualified enthusiastically said “I have always wanted to attend candidates. Statutory and Jewish holidays with early a Jewish Passover meal. I’m so pleased to have had closing on Friday. the opportunity.” For a full job description and application form see the Spokesperson for the Durham and North East work for us section of the LBC website Liberal Jewish Community, Hava Fleming, was ( www.lbc.ac.uk) or contact Rhona Lesner on enthusiastic about the opportunity to share a vital + 44 (0)20 8349 5621 or [email protected]. Jewish festival with their Christian friends in Durham. Completed applications, including a full CV and For further information about the Liberal Jewish com- names of referees, should be sent to: Rhona Lesner, munity’s activities, please contact their website here. Leo Baeck College, the Sternberg Centre for Judaism, 80 East End Road, London N3 2SY The Barbed Lyre — Leaves from the Isle of Man Rabbi Lionel Blue Memorial Service On Sunday April 2 the Liberal Monday May 8, 6:30-8pm Jewish Synagogue, Ensemble West London Syn- Émigré and The Royal College agogue will be of Music presented a pro- hosting a memorial gramme of words and music that service to celebrate brought together the voices of the life of Rabbi German and Austrian composers Lionel Blue OBE. who came to Britain seeking The service will refuge from Nazi oppression and include tributes and who were ‘collared’ by Churchill the short film in the internment camps on the Isle of Man from "Encounter with 1940–41. The concert was preceded by a talk with Rabbi Lionel Blue". Sue Lukes, a founder of the charity Music in Cost: free. Detention, and a performance by Lucky Moyo, RSVP required to formerly with Zimbabwean music & dance ensemble [email protected] Black Umfolosi, who spoke about his experience as Rabbi Lionel Blue z”l an immigrant to the UK. Read more here.

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United Kingdom Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration Day of Liberal Jewish Music June 10

Every two years Liberal Judaism hosts a Day of Celebration when our communities come together to NPLS choir celebrate Liberal Judaism. The 2017 Day of Celebration will take place on Sunday 11 June at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue. are excited to invite you to a day to explore and Tickets are now available via Eventbrite or the share our Liberal Jewish Music, open to all LJ Liberal Judaism office. community members whether you are a singer, The day will address the question “Is Liberal music leader, instrumentalist, or just interested to Judaism Political Judaism?” through a range of learn some songs. sessions and speakers including the Reverend Rose After coffee and vocal warm ups, join a mass choir Hudson-Wilkin, Lords (Alf) Dubs and (Danny) preparing for the morning Shabbat service. Finkelstein, Board of Deputies’ Chief Executive Following lunch there will be a choice of different Gillian Merron and sociologist and writer David workshops including: traditional LJ choral music, Hirsh. composition workshop, LJY-Netzer songs and Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin is Chaplain to both chants, shul music accompaniment and much more. the Queen and the Speaker of the House of This is a great chance to work with a wide range of Commons. She will give the first keynote session of our own homegrown LJ music leaders and to bring the day on ‘The role of faith in leading opinion and new ideas to the table. action’. We therefore hope you will make a weekend of it Labour Peer Lord Dubs – known to so many and attend both the Music Day and the Day of members of Liberal Judaism for his incredible work Celebration! If you are travelling from outside with refugees – will deliver the second keynote London, accommodation can be arranged with address on the topic of ‘kindness, being right and the NPLS members. To request accommodation please power of empathy’. email [email protected]. Lord Finkelstein describes himself as “The Times Cost includes buffet lunch and refreshments through political columnist, football columnist, Conservative the day. member of the House of Lords and father of three but not necessarily in that order.” He is a favourite at Liberal Judaism events, having previously given Civic reception for Edinburgh's insightful and entertaining Jewish Community addresses at the 11th annual Council of On Wednesday March 1, Patrons’ Dinner and the Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, 2011 Day of Celebration. the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, who hosted a special reception chairs the Day of to mark 200 years of Celebration organising organised Jewish life in committee, said: “The Edinburgh. The event was calibre of our speakers extremely well attended reflects the principle that with representatives from Liberal Judaism has across all walks of Jewish impact disproportionate to life as well as members its size, and is the place of many other faith and people want to share their civic organisations. There stories. That is certainly were a number of mean- something to celebrate.” ingful contributions from The day of will also see Norman Crane the Jewish community. Liberal Judaism’s rabbis Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Norman Crane gave an leading sessions and Day of Celebration Chair excellent short speech on behalf of Sukkat Shalom. discussions. The highlight of the evening was probably Hannah Holtschneider's wonderful verbal walk through the 200-year history (reproduced here). Stew Green

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United Kingdom Progressive rabbis write to Prime RJ creates new youth position Minister over Brexit Reform Judaism has announced a ground- breaking new appointment setting a new precedent for young people’s mental health care in the Jewish community. The role has been funded by the generosity of a single donor and responds to the needs of our communities and our desire to provide a safe Mark Greenfield, and inclusive environment Reform Judaism’s first UK Prime Minister Theresa May for participants on our Young People’s Mental More than 50 Liberal and Reform Judaism rabbis programmes for young Health Welfare Officer have written to Prime Minister Theresa May people. asking her to always put human beings first in the The Mental Health Welfare Officer’s role is to give conversations she will be having over Brexit. training and advice to Reform communities. He will The Progressive rabbis – who represent more than a also create effective strategies for including young third of British Jews – urged the Prime Minister and people with special needs – with a focus on mental her European partners to recognise that the health, child protection, training, policies and decisions they make will impact millions of lives. procedures – within RSY-Netzer youth movement They also reaffirmed their own commitment to Britain events. and contribution to its life. The letter reads: Mark Greenfield comes to Reform Judaism from Dear Prime Minister, JW3 where he has worked as Head of Community We are all Rabbis serving Jewish communities Programming. He was previously a family support around the United Kingdom. Most of us were born worker in Hackney supporting young people though and educated in this country, and some of us came challenging family circumstances. He has a long here as a matter of choice. We represent a large history of close involvement with Reform Judaism, group of Jewish communities made up of Jews supporting summer camp participants as a Welfare coming from various backgrounds, various countries Officer, leading on Israel Tour and playing of origin. In that respect, we do represent both the percussion and leading alternative services at three diversity within British society and within the Reform synagogues in London. He is also a member European society. As Rabbis, we are loyal to the of the well-known Sephardi music project Los United Kingdom, its institutions, its values, and our Desterrados. congregants share the same British values as we all do. Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Some of us are citizens from another European Reform Judaism said: “The establishment of this country. We came here to study at the Leo Baeck new role takes us to a new level of inclusion and College in Finchley, an institution that trains Rabbis our duty to care and safeguarding. Mark is an and Jewish educators for this country and beyond. exceptional person who brings both mental health We have decided to stay in the United Kingdom for expertise and a youth movement background. various reasons, and we are all happy with this choice. “We feel blessed to have received this donation and We love Britain, its culture, its language, its history, to have such a fabulous person to implement our and its people, and we gladly contribute to its life. mental health strategy in partnership with our As you have triggered article 50, which begins the existing team”. process of exiting the European Union, we wanted to Mark Greenfield said: “I am thrilled to be back at remind you and your government not to forget in the Reform Judaism focussing on mental health issues years ahead that you and your European partners and raising awareness of this vital area of wellbeing. will make decisions that will impact millions of I will be working closely with all of our communities people: EU citizens living in the United Kingdom, to help increase capacity through training and and UK citizens living in the EU. They all made researching their particular needs as well as getting amazing contributions to their host countries, and stuck in to Israel tour and summer camp preparation added to their grandeur. and training.” “Above all, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). According to the Click the logos for news Jewish tradition, a leader serves the needs of their of our UK movements followers by enhancing their capacity and empowering them. “One who is appointed over a community becomes the servant of this community” (Babylonian Talmud, Horayot 10a). We respectfully request that you bear in mind the human dimension of the current situation, and that you put human beings first in the conversation ahead.”

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WUPJ

WUPJ 2017 Calendar May 13-17 - Jerusalem Pursue Justice: Seminar for Legal Professionals May 15-21 - Jerusalem CONNECTIONS 2017 WUPJ 38th Biennial Conference July 13-23 - Jerusalem The Bergman Seminar for Jewish Educators July 19-30- Europe WUPJ/Netzer Summer Youth Camp Mission Creating Meaningful Connections: WUPJ Saltz seminars in May Bergman Seminar for Progressive Learn about the legal issues challenging the Jewish Jewish Educators, July 13-23 state with these seminars Educating the educators is one of the Bergman Seminar's guiding principles. An intensive ten-day programme for Progressive Jewish Educators from around the world, the Bergman Seminar, led by the WUPJ's Anita Saltz International Education Center, combines classroom and text study with site visits and face-to-face encounters with individuals and educational projects that explore the multitude of Jewish narratives inside and outside of Israel. For more information, including the schedule and fees, click here.

The Knesset WUPJ Saltz Leadership Institute Pursue Justice Seminar for Legal Professionals May 13-17: Spend five days meeting with leading politicians, judges, legislators, professors, attorneys and activists, each presenting a different facet of the prism that comprises Israel's national and international law. Tour Israel's Supreme Court and meet with justices; visit the Knesset and debate legislation with ministers. Read more here.

Bergman Seminar participants in Caesarea

Every week, WUPJ emails Torah from around the World, a commentary on the Parashah (Torah portion) of the week by a rabbi from one of its congregations. Please click here to subscribe. WUPJ Saltz Leadership Institute & IRAC Subscribe to WUPJnews Religion and State Issues Seminar Sign up for WUPJnews to receive on-going updates May 16-17: WUPJ and Israel Religious Action about our communities around the world. Center (IRAC) invite you to spend two days delving Like WUPJ on Facebook. into the multifaceted and challenging work that we care so much about: keeping Israel pluralistic, IMPJ Newsletter democratic and egalitarian in its public and private Click on this link for the newsletter of the Israel legislation. This seminar is open to all. Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. Click here for full information.

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